The Acorns triumphed in one of their three matches at Granite
Park in Sacramento, beating Sierra Foothills 10-7 in their opener
and losing 12-0 to Woodcreek and 5-0 to Rio
SACRAMENTO — The club rugby team from Live Oak took fourth place in the Bronze Division of Saturday’s Kick Off Tournament.
The Acorns triumphed in one of their three matches at Granite Park in Sacramento, beating Sierra Foothills 10-7 in their opener and losing 12-0 to Woodcreek and 5-0 to Rio.
Live Oak and Sierra Foothills battled sluggishly in a scoreless first half with both teams swapping possession and field position. The second half began in a flurry, as SF scored a converted try, capitalizing on the team’s superior kicking. The Acorns answered quickly with a try by junior hooker Daniel Johnson. A failed conversion try left Live Oak trailing 7-5 with seven minutes left.
The Acorns caught a break when an SF player caught off his feet at a ruck, awarding a penalty to Live Oak with three minutes remaining. The Acorns failed to capitalize, though, as junior fullback Andrew Pitzer’s kick at goal narrowly missed wide.
With the clock winding down, Live Oak moved the ball crisply with short passes, good support play and several quick rucks. Team captain and 8-man Thomas Mangano crossed SF’s try line and touched down in the corner to give the Acorns the win, moving them into the winner’s bracket.
The local ruggers did not fair as well in their second game. The Woodcreek Wolves from Roseville came out fast and efficient, scoring all 12 of their points in two tries and a conversion during the first half.
Though Live Oak did show signs from there, the Wolves were up to each challenge. With the win, they moved into the Bronze Division final.
Live Oak had to replace several injured front-line players for the third-place game against Rio of West Sacramento.
The Acorns struggled to mount consistent attacks and, in turn, often played defense in the shadow of their own goal posts. Up to the challenge, Live Oak’s stout defense repelled several good scoring attempts during the scoreless first half.
Rio dominated ball control and field position again in the second. As time expired, Rio’s tenacious attack broke through Live Oak’s defense for a game-winning try in the corner.
The Acorns open Skyhawk Conference play against defending league champion San Mateo at 7 p.m. Friday in the Outdoor Sports Center. Admission is free.
